System and method for providing universal additional functionality for power meters

ABSTRACT

A system and method for providing an additional option function to existing functionality of a meter device configured for measuring parameters of energy is provided. The meter device is coupled with an option device for exchanging data between the coupled devices along at least one data path, including exchanging initialization data provided by the option device between the meter device and the option device, wherein the initialization data is useable by the meter device for configuring at least one of the meter device and the option device to be in condition to operate with the other of the meter device and the option device. The exchanged data is processed. Upon the coupling of the devices and the exchanging of the initialization data, the meter device is operated with the option device for adding the option function to existing functionality of the meter device.

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/645,439; filed on Jan. 20, 2005, andentitled “Universal Option Slot For A Power Meter”, the entire contentsof which are expressly incorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This disclosure relates to meters for measuring parameters of electricalenergy. In particular, this disclosure relates to a system and methodfor providing universal additional functionality for energy meters.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electrical utility companies (“utilities”) track electric usage bycustomers by using power meters. These meters track the amount of powerconsumed at a particular location, such as a substation. The electricutility companies may use the power meter to charge its customers fortheir power consumption, i.e., revenue metering.

Traditionally, power meters used mechanical means to track the amount ofconsumed power. The inductive spinning disk power meter is stillcommonly used. The spinning disk drives mechanical counters that trackthe power consumption information. A display device, such as a dial, isprovided for displaying the measurements read, which can then bemanually recorded as desired by an operator.

Newer to the market are electronic power meters. Electronic meters havereplaced the older mechanical meters, and utilize digital sampling ofthe voltage and current waveforms to generate power consumptioninformation. A display device, such as an LED for displaying digitaldata, is provided for displaying the measurements read. In manyinstances it is desirable to further process or utilize themeasurements. It has been customary to provide a power meter withselected capabilities or options, such as for further processing themeasurements, transmitting the measurements via a desired communicationmedium, or controlling other devices in accordance with themeasurements. Typically, a customized meter is provided having optionsselected in accordance with the intended application that the meter isused in. From a manufacturing point of view, customization of individualmeters is costly. Furthermore, upgrading the meter to include additionaloptions is typically performed at the field by an expert and requirescustomized programming of the upgraded meter. Experience has shown thatoperators of the meter rely heavily on technical support for learninghow to use the meter's options and for troubleshooting problems, all ofwhich is costly to the manufacturer. The additional costs are mostlikely passed on to the customer.

Therefore, it is an aspect of the disclosure to provide a power meterwhich may be used with a variety of options, where the options areexchangeable or replaceable with simple and minimal actions by anoperator of the meter.

It is further an aspect of the disclosure to provide a variety ofoptions in which the respective options are packaged for simpleinstallation with a meter by an operator of the meter.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure, an option device is providedfor coupling with a meter device that is configured for measuringparameters of energy. The option device includes at least one componentfor providing an option function and at least one nonvolatile storagedevice for storing data including initialization data useable by themeter device for configuring at least one of the meter device and theoption device to be in condition to operate with the other of the meterdevice and the option device. The option device further includes atleast one connector for coupling with the meter device for exchangingdata with the meter device along at least one data path, the exchangeddata including the initialization data, and at least one processor forat least one of processing data exchanged with the meter device andcommunicating with the at least one component. Upon coupling the atleast one connector with the meter device, the meter device operateswith the option device for adding the option function to existingfunctionality of the meter device.

In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, the at leastone connector of the option device includes a first connector forcoupling the at least one nonvolatile storage device with the meterdevice for exchanging the initialization data between the at least onestorage device and the meter device, and a second connector for couplingthe at least one processor and the meter device for exchanging datathere between. Furthermore, isolator circuitry is provided along a pathestablished between the at least one processor and circuitry of themeter device and passing through the second connector for electricallyisolating the meter device from the option device.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a method isprovided for providing additional an option function to existingfunctionality of a meter device configured for measuring parameters ofenergy. The method includes the steps of coupling the meter device withan option device and exchanging data between the coupled devices alongat least one data path including exchanging initialization data providedby the option device between the meter device and the option device. Theinitialization data is useable by the meter device for configuring atleast one of the meter device and the option device to be in conditionto operate with the other of the meter device and the option device. Themethod further includes the steps of processing the exchanged data, andoperating the meter device with the option device for adding the optionfunction to existing functionality of the meter device upon exchanginginitialization data and coupling the meter device with the optiondevice. In accordance with still another embodiment of the disclosure,the method includes electrically isolating the meter device from theoption device along at least one data path of the at least one datapath.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the disclosure, a meterdevice configured for measuring at least one parameter of energy isprovided. The meter device includes at least one input line forreceiving energy to be measured, and circuitry for processing thereceived energy. At least one connector is provided for coupling to anoption device providing an option function for exchanging datatherebetween, the exchanged data including initialization data provideby the option device. At least one processor is provided for using theinitialization data for configuring at least one of the meter device andthe option device to be in condition to operate with the other of themeter device and the option device. Upon coupling the respective optiondevice to the at least one connector, the at least one of the meterdevice and the option device is configured in accordance with theinitialization data and the meter device is operated with the optiondevice for adding the option function to existing functionality of themeter device.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure, the at leastone connector of the meter device includes a first connector forcoupling with the option device for providing for transmission ofinitialization data provided by at least one storage device of theoption device to the meter device and a second connector for couplingwith the option device for providing for exchanging of data between atleast one processor of the option device and the meter device. The meterdevice further includes isolator circuitry coupled to the secondconnector for electrically isolating the meter device from the at leastone processor of the option device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the disclosure will be described herein belowwith reference to the figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a metering system for measuringenergy parameters having a meter device and at least one option devicefor installation within the meter device in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the meter system shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an option device shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identifysimilar structural elements, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a meteringsystem 10 having a meter device 12 provided with at least one optioninterface 14 configured for receiving a respective option device 16. Arespective option device 16 may be installed with (e.g., coupled to) orremoved from a desired option interface 14, where the respective optioninterfaces 14 are preferably substantially identical in configuration,e.g., standardized. The respective option devices 16 are provided withan associated option function, where different option devices 16 havedifferent associated option functions. Installation of a respectiveoption device 16 provides the associated option function to the meterdevice 12, thus providing the meter device 12 with additionalfunctionality in addition to its existing functionality. Theinstallation and provision of the option function to the meter device 12is performed in a plug-n-play fashion. Configuration of the meter device12 and/or option device 16 for operating together is performedautomatically and in real-time upon plugging the option device 16 intothe meter device 12 without any further intervention, such as by anoperator. Furthermore, the option devices 16 may be swapped, e.g., afirst option device 16 may be removed from an option interface 14, and asecond option device 16 may installed in the same option interface 14for replacing the first option device 16.

The option interface 14 includes mechanical features (not shown) forreceiving and holding an inserted option device 16, such as a connectorsimilar to a printed circuit board (PCB) edge card connector. The optioninterface 14 may further include mechanical features (not shown) forejecting the option device 16 upon request. Ejection of an option device16 from an option interface 14 may be initiated, for example, byactuation of an ejection button 18 and/or by software control signals.The option device 16 may also be manually removed from the optioninterface 14.

The meter device 12 includes at least one input line 6 for receiving atleast one energy input (e.g., current, voltage or power). The meterdevice 12 reads one or more parameters of the input energy and generatescorresponding measured values. The meter device 12 may further generateadditional signals, such as control signals, which relate to the inputsto the meter device 12. The meter device 12 may be, for example, a panelmeter (e.g., for use with a switchboard) or a revenue meter (e.g., foruse at a substation or at the site of a user of the energy). The meterdevice 12 further includes a control panel 20, which may include atleast one display, and at least one user input device (e.g., a keypad,control switches and/or knobs).

With reference to FIG. 2, the meter device 12 includes circuitry 8 forprocessing the energy received at the input line 6. The circuitry 8 mayinclude, for example, step-down circuitry, at least one amplifyingdevice (e.g., an operational amplifier), a current transformer, sampleand hold circuitry, analog to digital converter circuitry, multiplexerdevice, filter circuitry, or a combination thereof for processing thereceived inputs and generating a corresponding measured value. The meterdevice 12 further includes a processor assembly 202 including at leastone processor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)) and at least onestorage device (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM, flash memory, etc.) accessible bythe at least one processor. During operation of the meter device 12, theprocessor assembly 202 of the meter device 12 executes a series ofprogrammable instructions which may be stored in the at least onestorage device.

The meter device 12 is shown having first and second option interfaces14A and 14B, respectively, each having an option device 16 coupledthereto. The interfaces 14A and 14B are shown as slots which receive anoption device 16 and couple with the option device 16 when the optiondevice 16 is inserted in the slot. An exploded view is provided ofinterface 14A and the corresponding inserted option device 16 forshowing connecting elements between the interface 14A and correspondinginserted option device 16. The interfaces 14A and 14B are not limited tobeing configured as slots, and other types of interfaces may be used,which may include cables, physically mating connectors, and/or wirelessconnectors, etc.

The respective interfaces 14A,B of the meter device 12 include at leastone of a first connector 204 in communication with a first data path 206(e.g., data bus) and a second connector 208 in communication with asecond data path 210 (e.g., data bus). The option device 16 includes atleast one of a first connector 212 and a second connector 214, whereinthe first connector 212 mates with connector 204 of the interface 14,and the second connector 214 mates with connector 208 of the meterdevice 12.

The first and second data paths 206 and 210, respectively, communicatewith the processor assembly 202, where in the preferred embodiment thefirst data path 206 is serial and the second data path 210 is parallel,but is not limited thereto. It is contemplated that more than one firstdata path 206 and/or second data path 210 is provided, where respectiveoption devices 16 are coupled to different data paths of the more thanone first data path 206 and/or second data path 210. The data paths ofthe more than one first data path 206 may be joined or disjoint (e.g.,independent of one another). Likewise, data paths of the more than onesecond data path 210 may be joined or disjoint. It is furthercontemplated that data paths 206 and/or 210 are coupled to a device inthe meter device 12 other than the processor assembly 202.

With respect to FIG. 3, option device 16 is shown in greater detail. Theoption device 16 is packaged for easy installation with the meter device12, and preferably as an option device for insertion within a slot ofthe option interface 14. The option device 16 includes at least oneoption component 302 for performing an associated option functionprovided by the option device 16, and a processor 304 for communicatingwith the meter device 12 and with the option components 302 (e.g., forsharing data and/or providing control thereto). During operation of theoption device 16, the processor 304 of the option device 16 executes aseries of programmable instructions which may be stored in at least onestorage device accessible by the processor 304 and preferably integratedwith the processor 304. The processor assembly 202 and the processor 304preferably operate in a master/slave relationship.

The option device 16 further includes a non-volatile storage device 312,e.g., an EEPROM. Connector 212 of the option device 16 is coupled to thestorage device 312 and is exposed from a housing 313 of the optiondevice 16 for mating with connector 204 of the option interface 14. Whenthe option device 16 is coupled to the option interface 14 (e.g.,inserted into the corresponding slot) a data stream (preferably serial)is transmitted from the storage device 312, through the connector 212 ofthe option device 16 and to the connector 204 of the option interface14, and/or vice versa. In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, whenthe option device 16 is coupled to the meter device 12 and a data pathis established from the storage device 312 to the meter device 12, thestorage device 312 begins to transmit the initialization datacontinually.

Data stored in the storage device 312 includes initialization data,which may include, forexample, identification data identifying theoption device 16, calibration data and/or setup data which the meterdevice 12 may use for configuring itself to operate in conjunction withthe option device 16 for providing the associated option function of theoption device 16 as additional functionality to the meter device 12 inaddition to existing functionality of the meter device 12. Theinitialization data is sufficient for preparing the meter device 12 tooperate with the option device 16 for adding the additional optionfunction to the existing functionality of the meter device 12.Preferably, the storage device 312 is tested, calibrated and programmed(e.g., the initialization data is stored therein) by the manufacturer ofthe option device 16. Testing and calibrating the option device 16 mayinclude injecting a known energy (e.g., voltage or current) into thedevice and measuring the corresponding output energy and determining thecorresponding gain factor and/or offset factor, which are included inthe initialization data. It is contemplated that a user or themanufacturer may re-configure the option device 16 by re-programming it,such as by adding or changing information stored by the storage device312. For example, after prolonged use of the option device 16 the optiondevice 16 may need to be recalibrated and have updated initializationdata stored therein. The option device 16 may also be configurable by auser before installation in the meter device 12. User configuration ofthe option device 16 may include selection of a protocol, baud rate,clock setting, etc. The user configured settings are included in theinitialization data. The configuration settings are stored on the optiondevice 16 and are retained when the option device 16 is de-energized orremoved from the meter device 12.

The processor assembly 202 continually checks for the presence of theoption device 16, preferably by checking for receipt of data fromstorage device 312, such as by polling a flag, an address or a register.Accordingly, the processor assembly 202 recognizes when the optiondevice 16 has been coupled (e.g., installed with the meter device 12),replaced (e.g., removed from the meter device 12 and another optiondevice 16 coupled to the meter device 12), or removed from the meterdevice 12. The option devices 16 may be installed, replaced or removedbefore power-up of the meter device 12 and/or during usage of the meterdevice 12.

Upon detecting that an option device 16 has been installed or replaced,e.g., upon power-up of the meter device 12 or installation of an optiondevice 16, the processor assembly 202 uses the initialization data toconfigure the meter device 12 to operate with the option device 16,which may include transmitting data to the processor 304 for configuringthe option device 16 to operate with the meter device 12. Configurationof the meter device 12 also includes detecting if the configurationstate of the option device 16, including if the option device 16 hasbeen configured by a user, and to what degree. The meter device 12operates with the option device 16 in its configured state using theconfiguration data. Accordingly, upon installing or plugging the optiondevice 16 into the meter device 12, the meter device 12 recognizes theinstallation in real-time and automatically configures itself using theinitialization data to operate with the option device 16, includingadding the option function to the meter device's existing functionality,such as in a plug-n-play fashion.

The initialization data may include parameter values and/or programmableinstructions. A parameter value of the initialization data may be usedto calibrate the meter device 12 to operate compatibly with the optiondevice 16. The data identifying the option device 16 may be used forretrieving from a storage device accessible by the processor assembly202 one or more parameter values which correspond to the option device16. A parameter value may include, for example, a gain factor and anoffset factor for the option device 16, which the processor assembly 202will use during gain computations or will pass to the processor 304 touse during gain computations. during operation of the meter device 12.

A parameter value or identification data may further be used by theprocessor assembly 202 to retrieve a selected set of executable softwareinstructions from a storage device accessible by the processor assembly202. Preferably, the storage device is incorporated into the meterdevice 12. The retrieved set of executable software instructions isexecuted by the processor assembly 202 for the meter device 12 tooperate with the option device 16 for adding the option function of theoption device 16 to the existing functionality of the meter device 12.Furthermore, programmable instructions included with the initializationdata may be executed by the processor assembly 202 for the meter device12 to operate with the option device 16 for adding the option functionof the option device 16 to the existing functionality of the meterdevice 12.

Additionally, the option device 16 may include an interface device 314for providing an interface between the processor 304 of the optiondevice 16 and the processor assembly 202 and/or other devices of themeter device 12 for allowing communication therebetween when the optiondevice 16 is coupled to the meter device 12. Connector 214 of the optiondevice 16 is coupled to the interface device 314 and exposed from thehousing 313 for mating with connector 208 of the interface 14.

In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the interface device 314includes at least one parallel/serial conversion device 216, such as aUniversal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) device, forconverting data having a serial format into data having a parallelformat, and vice versa. Accordingly, data exchanged via connector 214has a parallel format, where data transmitted along data path 320 has aserial format. The interface device 314 preferably further includesisolator circuitry 318 having a device such as an optical-electricalisolator, for electrically isolating data path 320 a from data path 320b, and the meter device 12 from the option device 16 for providingprotection to the isolated devices from ground loops, short circuits,noise, surges, etc.

Data transmitted in parallel format from the processor assembly 202and/or other devices of the meter device 12 which is received by theconversion device 16 is converted to serial format. The serial datapasses through the isolator circuitry 318 along data path 320 and to theprocessor 304. Likewise, data transmitted in serial format from theprocessor 304 along data path 320 passes through the isolator circuitry318, and then is received by the conversion device 16, which convertsthe data to parallel format and is provided to the processor assembly202 and/or other devices of the meter device 12 via connector 214,connector 208 and bus 210.

It is contemplated that the conversion device 316 and/or the isolatorcircuitry 318 be provided in the meter device 12 instead of, or inaddition to, being provided in the option device 16. For the embodimentin which data path 210 is parallel (e.g., includes a plurality ofparallel data paths) the conversion device 316 and the isolatorcircuitry 318 are provided with the option device 16, the data path 320is serial, and one electro-isolator is provided along data path 320,which is beneficial for minimizing costs and complexity of the meterdevice 12.

It is further contemplated that the processor 304 utilizes a parallelprotocol and transmits and receives data in parallel format. In oneembodiment, a second conversion device 316 is provided in between theprocessor 304 and the isolator circuitry 318. Accordingly, data beingexchanged with the processor 304 passes serially through the isolatorcircuitry 318. In another embodiment of the disclosure, data isexchanged in parallel (e.g., along a plurality of parallel data paths)between the meter device 12 (e.g., the processor assembly 202 and/or orother devices of the meter device 12) and the processor 304, and theconversion device 316 is omitted. Isolator circuitry 318 is provided foroperating on each path of parallel data. It is further contemplated thatthe processor assembly 202 and/or other devices of the meter device 12and the processor 304 utilize a serial protocol, and data is exchangedalong a single data path. Conversion device 316 is omitted, and theisolator circuitry 318 is provided along the single data path.

The option device components 302 include one or more digital and/oranalog devices which add functionality to the meter device 12, such asproviding for processing signals generated by the meter device 12 andgenerating output signals. The option device components 302 may includeat least one input/output (I/O) device 322, for transmitting the outputsignals via a wired or wireless communication medium using acommunication protocol, such as a serial, parallel, Ethernet, Internet,etc., protocol.

A first example of an option device 16 is a fiber optic port, preferablyfor providing serial fiber optic communication. Preferably, thecommunication protocol used is half duplex, and circuitry is providedfor allowing the option device to be used in a closed loop. The protocolis preferably user selectable during configuration, such as from ModbusRTU, Modbus ASCII, or distributed network protocol (DNP) 3.0 protocols.The address for the option device is also preferably user selectableduring configuration, such as from addresses ranging between 1 and 247.The baud rate is preferably user selectable during configuration, suchas from a speed of 9600; 19,200; 38,400; or 57,600 baud. The bytestructure is preferably user selectable during configuration, such asfrom 5, 6, 7, or 8 bits. Parity is preferably user selectable duringconfiguration, such as from even, odd or none. Stop bits are preferablyuser selectable during configuration, such as to 1 or 2. A reply delay(an intentional delay prior to responding to a data request) ispreferably user selectable during configuration, such as ranging from 0to 500 milliseconds in increments, e.g., increments of 50 milliseconds.

A second example of an option device 16 is an Ethernet card forautomatically sensing and connecting to either a network connection,such as a 10 or 100 MHz LAN connection. Preferably, the option device 16supports multiple, e.g., twelve, simultaneous socket connections.Preferably, networking features, such as the IP address, Subnet Mask,and Gateway address are user selectable during configuration. Preferablythe option device 16 supports a dynamic host configuration protocol(DHCP) connection. Additionally, the option device 16 includes astandard network connector, such as an RJ-45 jack.

A third exemplary option card 16 is a digital I/O relay option card forproviding two status inputs. Preferably, inputs are received viaseveral, e.g., three pins, including one common and two channels, whichpreferably automatically adjust to a connection with dry contacts orwetted voltage signals. The inputs are sampled at regular intervals,such as 100 millisecond intervals, and are de-bounced. Preferably, thestatus of each input is stored in readable registers that are accessiblevia another communication port, e.g., using a protocol, such as Modbusor DNP protocols. Preferably, one of the input channels is configurableto sense an end-of-interval pulse from an external energy meter.

The digital I/O relay option device preferably includes multiple, e.g.,three, relay outputs controllable through a communication port using acompatible protocol. The relays are preferably user configurable tooperate automatically in response to meter limit conditions, includingapplication of hysteresis to more than one limit. Preferably, a userselectable delay time is provided for delaying a reset procedure whenrelays are assigned to limits.

A fourth example of an option device 16 is a digital I/O energy pulsecounting option card for counting received digital pulses and convertingthe pulses into corresponding energy usage values. The digital I/Oenergy pulse counting option card preferably provides a (e.g., one)status input, e.g., through two pins, including one common and onechannel which automatically adjusts to connection to dry contacts orwetted voltage signals. Preferably, the input is sampled at regularintervals, e.g., 100 milliseconds intervals, and de-bounced. The statusof each input is preferably stored in readable registers accessible viaa communication port using a protocol, such as Modbus or DNP protocols.The inputs are preferably configured to sense an end-of-interval pulsefrom an external energy meter.

A fifth option device is an analog output option device having multiple(e.g., four) analog outputs for outputting 0-±1 mA proportional to areceived input. The channels measure a quantity which is preferablyselectable by the user from voltage, current, watt, VAR, VA orfrequency. Additionally, the magnitude of the scalar quantity thatcorresponds to 0 mA and to 1 mA for each channel is preferably userselectable during configuration, such as defined by set points, whichmay be positive or negative numbers. Each channel provides an outputthat is linear between the set points as the scalar quantity changesbetween the set points. Furthermore, each channel is preferablyconfigurable as unidirectional or bidirectional, where when the channelis configured as bidirectional, the channel produces an output from −-1mA to +1 mA, and the set points are −1 and +1 mA. Preferably, the analogoutput option device is self-powered to provide 1 mA into a 10 kΩ loadfor each channel, with each channel capable of producing an output of20% over rating.

A sixth option card is an analog output option card having eight analogoutput channels connected through one common and eight channelconnections for providing an output from 0 to 20 mA. The channelsmeasure a quantity which is preferably selectable by the user fromvoltage, current, watt, VAR, VA, frequency, power factor, phase angle,harmonic magnitude and harmonic angle. Set points are preferably userselectable for specifying the magnitude of the scalar quantity thatcorresponds to 4 mA and to 20 mA for each channel. These set points maybe positive or negative numbers. Each channel preferably provides anoutput that is linear between the set points as the scalar quantitychanges between the set points. Preferably, the analog output optiondevice is self-powered to provide 20 mA into a 250Ω load for eachchannel, with each channel capable of producing an output of 20% overrating.

Accordingly, a respective option device 16 may generate and outputanalog retransmit signals, pulse signals, digital communication signals,Ethernet signals, control signals, or other telemetric outputs, wherethe output signals are based on the measured values. The output signalsmay be transmitted to an external device (not shown), such as a server,another processing device, a cellular phone, a controllable device, etc.It is contemplated that the I/O device 322 may receive information froman external device (not shown) which the processor 304 may process,and/or provide to the meter device 12 via the interface device 314 andthe connector 214.

In a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure, theoption device 16 is installed with the meter device 12 by couplingconnectors 212 and 204 and connectors 214 and 208, which may beaccomplished, for example, by inserting the option device 16 in anoption device slot of the interface 14 of the meter device 12.Installation of the option device 16 with the meter device 12 addsfunctionality to the meter device 12. Preferably, the option devices 16and the interfaces 14 are standardized for allowing an operator toinstall a selected option device 16 with the meter device 12 for addingfunctionality to the meter device 12.

The meter device 12 recognizes the presence of the installed optiondevice 16 and is automatically configured to communicate and operatewith the option device 16 in order that the functionality of the optiondevice 16 is integrated into the functionality of the meter device 12.The meter device 12 exchanges appropriate information with the optiondevice 16, enabling the option device 16 to operate compatibly with themeter device 12 for adding functionality thereto. More specifically, theprocessor assembly of the meter device 16 exchanges signals (in at leastone direction) with the processor 304 of the option device 16, where theexchanged signals pass through an isolation barrier for protecting thehardware of both of the meter device 12 and the option device 16 and theintegrity of the exchanged signals. The exchanged information mayinclude data that relates to the energy inputs received by the meterdevice 16 and/or control signals.

The meter device 12 may be provided with a desired number of interfaces14, each available for coupling with an option device 16. When multipleoption devices 16 are coupled to the meter device 12, the functionalityof the meter device 12 may be increased to include the option functionprovided by each of the option devices 16. Prioritization data may beprovided, where needed, for determining prioritization of the addedoption functions, when one option function may override another, whichoption function may override another, etc. The prioritization data maybe provided via the meter device 12 and/or the option device 16.

Multiple option devices 16 may be packaged as a kit, where two or moreoption devices 16 may be installed with the meter device 12 at a time,and/or a first option device 16 providing a first option function of thekit may be interchanged with a second option device 16 providing asecond option function of the kit for changing the functionality of themeter device 12 from including the first option function to include thesecond option function instead of the first option function.Furthermore, the meter device 12 may be included with the kit.Additionally the option devices 16 and/or a kit of option devices 16 mayoperate with a variety of meter devices 12.

In accordance with the above disclosure, the meter device 12 may operatefor increasing functionality of the meter device 12 with any optiondevice 16 designed for compatibility with the meter device 12, such asin accordance with a standard which may specify dimensions of the optiondevice 16, the types of connectors to be used and the type of protocolto be used. A universal increase of functionality of meter devices isavailable to all meter devices and option devices which adhere to thestandards.

The described embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to beillustrative rather than restrictive, and are not intended to representevery embodiment of the present disclosure. Various modifications andvariations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of thedisclosure as set forth in the following claims both literally and inequivalents recognized in law.

1. An option device for coupling with a meter device that is configured for measuring parameters of energy, the option device comprising: at least one component for providing an option function; at least one nonvolatile storage device for storing data including initialization data useable by the meter device for configuring at least one of the meter device and the option device to be in condition to operate with the other of the meter device and the option device; at least one connector for coupling with the meter device for exchanging data with the meter device along at least one data path, the exchanged data including the initialization data; and at least one processor for at least one of processing data exchanged with the meter device and communicating with the at least one component; wherein upon coupling the at least one connector with the meter device, the meter device operates with the option device for adding the option function to existing functionality of the meter device.
 2. The option device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said option device is packaged as a kit including at least a first and second option device; the at least one component of the first and second option devices provide first and second option functions respectively; the at least one connector of the first option device is coupled with the meter device for operating with the meter device for adding the first option function to existing functionality of the meter device; and the at least one connector of the second option device is coupled to the meter device for at least one of (a) simultaneously with the coupling of the at least one connector of the first option device with the meter for adding the second option function to existing functionality of the meter device; and (b)replacing the coupling of the at least one connector of the first option device for adding the second option function to existing functionality of the meter device instead of the first option function.
 3. The option device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one connector of the option device is coupled to the meter device while the meter device is operating.
 4. The option device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the initialization data includes identification data identifying the option device, and the meter device uses the identification data to configure the meter device to operate with the option device for adding the option function to the existing functionality of the meter device.
 5. The option device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the initialization data includes at least one of a gain factor and an offset factor corresponding to the gain of the option device useable by the meter device for calibrating at least one of the meter device and the option device to operate with the other of the meter device and the option device for adding the option function to the existing functionality of the meter device.
 6. The option device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the initialization data includes executable instructions for execution by a processor of the meter device for facilitating operation of the meter device with the option device for adding the option function to the existing functionality of the meter device.
 7. The option device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an interface device disposed along at least one data path of the at least one data path for providing an interface between the processor and the meter device for at least one of facilitating the exchange of data therebetween and providing protection to at least one of the meter device and the processor.
 8. The option device in accordance with claim 7, wherein the interface device comprises at least one parallel/serial conversion device for at least one of converting data having a serial format into data having a parallel format, and converting data having a parallel format into data having a serial format.
 9. The option device in accordance with claim 7, wherein the interface device comprises isolator circuitry for electrically isolating the meter device from the option device.
 10. The option device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one connector includes a first and second connector, wherein the first connector couples with the meter device for exchanging the initialization data between the at least one storage device and the meter device and the second connector couples with the meter device for exchanging data between the at least one processor and the meter device.
 11. The option device in accordance with claim 10, wherein isolator circuitry is provided along a path established between the at least one processor and circuitry of the meter device and passing through the second connector for electrically isolating the meter device from the option device.
 12. The option device in accordance with claim 10, wherein the isolator circuitry is provided in the option device.
 13. An option device for coupling with a meter device that is configured for measuring parameters of energy, the option device comprising: at least one component for providing an option function; at least one nonvolatile storage device for storing data including initialization data useable by the meter device for configuring at least one of the meter device and the option device to be in condition to operate with the other of the meter device and the option device; a first connector for coupling the at least one nonvolatile storage device with the meter device for exchanging the initialization data between the at least one storage device and the meter device; a second connector for coupling the at least one processor and the meter device for exchanging data there between, wherein isolator circuitry is provided along a path established between the at least one processor and circuitry of the meter device and passing through the second connector for electrically isolating the meter device from the option device; and at least one processor for at least one of processing data exchanged with the meter device and communicating with the at least one component; wherein upon coupling the at least one connector with the meter device, the meter device operates with the option device for adding the option function to existing functionality of the meter device.
 14. The option device in accordance with claim 13, wherein the isolator circuitry is provided in the option device.
 15. A method for providing an additional option function to existing functionality of a meter device configured for measuring parameters of energy, the method comprising the steps of: coupling the meter device with an option device providing an option function; exchanging data between the coupled devices along at least one data path, comprising the step of: exchanging initialization data provided by the option device between the meter device and the option device, wherein the initialization data is useable by the meter device for configuring at least one of the meter device and the option device to be in condition to operate with the other of the meter device and the option device; processing the exchanged data; and operating the meter device with the option device for adding the option function to existing functionality of the meter device upon exchanging initialization data and coupling the meter device with the option device.
 16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of: uncoupling the meter device and the option device; coupling the meter device with another option device providing another option function; exchanging data between the coupled devices along at least one data path, comprising the step of: exchanging initialization data provided by the another option device between the meter device and the another option device, wherein the initialization data is useable by the meter device for at least one of the meter device and the another option device to be in condition to operate with the other of the meter device and the another option device; processing the exchanged data; and operating the meter device with the another option device for adding the another option function to the existing functionality of the meter device upon exchanging initialization data and coupling the meter device with the another option device.
 17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of operating the meter device before performing the coupling step.
 18. The method according to claim 18, wherein the initialization data includes identification data identifying the option device and the configuring step includes using the identification data to configure the meter device to operate with the option device for adding the option function to the existing functionality of the meter device.
 19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the initialization data includes a gain factor and an offset factor corresponding to the gain of the option device.
 20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the initialization data includes executable instructions for execution by a processor of the meter device, and the configuring step includes using the executable instructions.
 21. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of converting data exchanged from at least one of data having a serial format into data having a parallel format, and data having a parallel format into data having a serial format.
 22. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of electrically isolating the meter device from the option device along at least one data path of the at least one data path.
 23. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of: coupling the meter device with another option device providing another option function; exchanging data between the coupled devices along at least one data path, comprising the step of: exchanging initialization data provided by the another option device between the meter device and the another option device, wherein the initialization data is useable by the meter device for configuring the at least one of the meter device and the another option device to be in condition to operate with the other of the meter device and the another option device; processing the exchanged data; and operating the meter device with the another option device for adding the another option function to the existing functionality of the meter device upon exchanging initialization data and coupling the meter device with the another option device.
 24. A method for providing an additional option function to existing functionality of a meter device configured for measuring parameters of energy, the method comprising the steps of: coupling the meter device with an option device providing an option function; exchanging data between the coupled devices along at least one data path, comprising the step of: exchanging initialization data provided by the option device between the meter device and the option device, wherein the initialization data is useable by the meter device for configuring at least one of the meter device and the option device to be in condition to operate with the other of the option device and meter device; electrically isolating the meter device from the option device along at least one data path of the at least one data path; processing the exchanged data; and operating the meter device with the option device for adding the option function to existing functionality of the meter device upon exchanging initialization data and coupling the meter device with the option device.
 25. A meter device configured for measuring at least one parameter of energy comprising: at least one input line for receiving energy to be measured; circuitry for processing the received energy; at least one connector for coupling to an option device providing an option function for exchanging data therebetween, the exchanged data including initialization data provide by the option device; and at least one processor for using the initialization data for configuring at least one of the meter device and the option device to be in condition to operate with the other of the meter device and the option device; wherein upon coupling the respective option device to the at least one connector the at least one of the meter device and the option device is configured in accordance with the initialization data and the meter device is operated with the option device for adding the option function to existing functionality of the meter device.
 26. The meter device in accordance with claim 25, wherein the at least one connector is uncoupled from the respective option device and the at least one connector is coupled to another option device providing another option function; wherein upon coupling the another option device to the at least one connector the at least one of the meter device and the another option device is configured to be in condition to operate with the other of the another option device and meter device in accordance with initialization data provided from the another option device, and the meter device is operated with the another option device for adding the another option function to the existing functionality of the meter device.
 27. The meter device in accordance with claim 26, wherein the meter device is operated with the another option device for adding the another option function to the existing functionality of the meter device instead of the option function provide by the respective option device.
 28. The meter device in accordance with claim 25, wherein the at least one connector is coupled to the option device while the meter device is operating for measuring the at least one parameter of the energy.
 29. The meter device in accordance with claim 25, wherein the initialization data includes identification data identifying the option device, and the meter device uses the identification data to configure the meter device to operate with the option device for adding the option function to the existing functionality of the meter device.
 30. The meter device in accordance with claim 25, wherein the initialization data includes at least one parameter value, and the at least one of the meter device and the option device uses the at least one parameter value to configure the at least one of the meter device and the option device to operate with the other of the at least one of the meter device and the option device for adding the option function to the existing functionality of the meter device.
 31. The meter device in accordance with claim 25, wherein the initialization data includes executable instructions for execution by the at least one processor, and the at least one processor executes the executable instructions for configuring the at least one processor to operate with the option device for adding the option function to the existing functionality of the meter device.
 32. The meter device in accordance with claim 25, further comprising at least one paralle/serial conversion device for at least one of converting exchanged data having a serial format into data having a parallel format, and converting exchanged data having a parallel format into data having a serial format.
 33. The meter device in accordance with claim 25, wherein the at least one connector includes a first and second connector, wherein the first connector couples with the option device for transmitting the initialization data from at least one storage device of the option device to the meter device, and the second connector couples with the option device for exchanging data between at least one processor of the option device and the meter device.
 34. The meter device in accordance with claim 33, further comprising isolator circuitry coupled to the second connector for electrically isolating the meter device from the at least one processor of the option device.
 35. A meter device configured for measuring at least one parameter of energy comprising: at least one input line for receiving energy to be measured; circuitry for processing the received energy; a first connector for coupling with an option device providing an option function for providing for transmission of initialization data provided by at least one storage device of the option device to the meter device; a second connector for coupling with the option device for providing for exchanging of data between at least one processor of the option device and the meter device; isolator circuitry coupled to the second connector for electrically isolating the meter device from the at least one processor of the option device; and at least one processor for using the initialization data for configuring at least one of the meter device and the option device to be in condition to operate with the other of the option device and meter device; wherein upon coupling the option device to the first and second connectors the at least one of the meter device and the option device is configured in accordance with the initialization data and the meter device is operated with the option device for adding the option function to existing functionality of the meter device. 